Henry Richard is chiefly known as an advocate of peace and international arbitration, having been secretary of the Peace Society for forty years (1848–84). He is less widely known for his other interests, especially his anti-slavery work. The statue was dedicated in 1893. A plaque contains a summary of his life, in both Welsh and English, and includes this quotation: “My hope for the abatement of the war system lies in permanent conviction / of the people, rather than the policies of cabinets or the discussions of / parliaments.”